The SEC approves the publication of criteria to support small and medium-sized businesses – start-ups that offer sustainable bonds.

The Capital Market Supervisory Board (SEC) has approved the issuance of regulations that support the issuance and offering of sustainability bonds through crowdfunding channels and private placements. To open funding opportunities for SMEs and New Businesses to participate in sustainable development. And decided to approve the amendment of the criteria for significant transactions and related transactions of listed companies. to improve the supervision of listed companies by maintaining the principle of appropriate investor protection

Khun Ruenwadee Suwanmongkol, Secretary General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) He revealed that the Capital Market Supervisory Board Meeting No. 15/2022 held on December 20, 2022 approved the publication of criteria for issuing and offering sustainability bonds to a private placement of no more than 10 investors (Private Placement: PP-10) and offer through a crowdfunding system (crowdfunding) to open up opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

The inclusion of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and new businesses (Startups) can raise funds through sustainability debt instruments. Including reviewing the rules for disclosing information regarding instruments and sustainability issues. Before and after the offering So that investors have accurate and complete information for making investment decisions. as well as increasing credibility when issuing sustainability bonds.

“The SEC has a policy to promote the issuance and offering of sustainability bonds. and has continued to promote The two debt instruments for environmental conservation (Green Bond), debt instruments for social development (Social Bond), debt instruments for sustainability. (Sustainability Bond) and bonds that promote sustainability. (Sustainability-related Bond) from 2018 – 2022 (data from December 15, 2022) Fundraising through sustainability bonds totaled 492 billion baht, most of which financed large companies. But today, sustainability is central to the strategy and business operations of businesses of all types and sizes. throughout the supply chain Furthermore, the government has a policy to promote the development of the potential of small and medium businesses and start towards sustainability. This makes such businesses focus on business operations to meet sustainability needs. and need capital to invest or improve their business operations to be more sustainable.” The Secretary General of the SEC said

In addition, the meeting of the NEC Board of Directors decided to approve the amendment of the rules for significant transactions that fall within the scope of the acquisition or disposal of assets and rules for related transactions, for example, adapting the rules to There are features that are mainly focus on principles. (based on principle) together with the publication of manuals and guidelines that match the criteria Improve the consideration of the value of the size of the transaction which must be approved by the meeting before committing to the transaction. Determining the types of current asset acquisition and disposal transactions that are not considered asset acquisition or disposal transactions, etc.

This is in line with the SEC’s regulatory guillotine* project to improve the oversight of material transactions of listed companies. and reducing the burden on listed companies as well as publishing manuals and guidelines to help listed companies understand the principles and implement them correctly. While on the side of the investor, they still get proper protection.

The SEC will open to hear the views of relevant parties, interested parties and the public, as well as organize seminars with senior executives of listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. to listen to opinions and suggestions which will be taken into account when improving the rules and manuals for future compliance with the rules

SEC reference